Concessionary fares

If you live in England and are of retirement age or an eligible disabled person, you are entitled to an English National Concessionary Bus Pass. Essex residents who are applying for an older persons or disabled persons bus pass for the first time may apply to Essex County Council.

How to apply

You can apply by either:

Downloading an application form for older persons or disabled persons at the bottom of this page.

Call us on 0345 200 0388 for an application form or for assistance completing one.

Does your pass need to be renewed? Please see the section Bus Pass Renewal below.

Have you moved? Please tell us as soon as you move so we can update your address.

Your bus pass is valid in the following locations at the following times:

Location

Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays)

Weekends and public holidays

Essex, Southend and Thurrock Authorities: Companion Passes are valid in these areas

09:00 to 24:00

Anytime

Any other local authority in England:

(Not all authorities offer earlier discretionary start times – you should check before travel). A companion pass will only act as a standard pass outside of Essex. Your companion will be required to pay for their travel.

09:30 to 23:00

Anytime

Transport For London Buses (you cannot use your pass on the Underground, DLR or Trams)

Anytime

Anytime

An Essex companion pass is available for those who have difficulty travelling without assistance. For more information please call 0345 200 0388 or email: buspass.team@essex.gov.uk.

Eligibility for an older persons pass

Older people (male or female) become eligible at the female age of retirement. If you were born before 6 April 1950 you are eligible for a concessionary pass. If you were born between 7 April 1950 and the 5 April 1955 please use the eligibility calculator at https://www.gov.uk/calculate-state-pension/y to find out when you will become eligible for a pass.

The eligibility for an Older Persons Bus Pass is set by the Department for Work and Pensions. Essex County Council is not responsible for this.

Eligibility for disabled persons pass

Disabled people can qualify under the following categories:

Visually Impaired

Hearing Impaired

Speech Impaired

Unable to walk

Loss of use of both arms

Learning impairment that has resulted in an arrested state of development before adulthood

Unable to drive for reasons of medical fitness.

A person applying for a bus pass must provide the evidence to show their eligibility. Essex County Council is required to ensure that it only issues passes where it is satisfied that the criteria has been met. If you have any questions, you can call us to discuss your application on 0345 200 0388.

Replacing a lost or stolen bus pass

If you have lost your bus pass or it has been stolen, you should call 0345 200 0388 to replace it. You will need to pay £10 to replace the pass. If your pass has been stolen, you should report it to the Police and make a note of the Crime Reference Number. When calling us you should advise us of the Police Authority you have reported it to and the Crime Reference Number.

Bus Pass Renewal

Older People (blue stripe on the right hand side): Your pass is usually renewed automatically. However, if you have moved, you need to tell us as soon as you move to ensure that we have the correct information for you.

Disabled People (orange stripe on the right hand side): Some passes are renewed automatically, but some require evidence to be updated in order to renew a bus pass. We will write to you if we need new evidence; if you do not hear from us you need not worry as your pass will be renewed automatically. Typically, we will automatically renew passes for people with visual impairments and hearing impairments. However, in respect of other disabilities we might ask for a copy of updated information to enable us to renew your pass. We are happy to help all customers in understanding what evidence we need in order to quickly and easily renew a bus pass. If you have moved, you need to tell us as soon as you move to ensure that we have the correct information for you.

Bus operator reimbursement

Bus Operators may wish to download the documents below which contain information about the Scheme for 2016/17 and the reimbursement rates. If you have any questions, please contact Essex County Council by calling 0345 743 0430. Please note we cannot assist with applications or replacements on this number and you should call 0345 200 0388 if your query relates to a bus pass.